Who doesn't love 'em? After watching an episode of Pioneer Woman recently, my kids have been bugging me. Sooo, I searched around on the web, and this is what I came up with. I found recipes that used raw, shredded potatoes, and cooked, mashed potatoes. I split the difference and partially cooked whole potatoes. This seemed to eliminate the need for draining, as raw, shredded potatoes bleed a ton of water, but they still have some texture. I used russets, but I may try a less starchy variety that will maintain shape a little better. These are a little mushy, but still darn tasty. Anyway, I cooked three med/large potatoes for ten minutes. I could easily poke a knife in about 1/4". Then I drained them, rinsed in cold water a few times, then filled the pot with cold water and let them sit for a while to cool while I did something else. I shredded them, added onion, salt, a large egg, flour, garlic powder, and a few twists of the pepper mill. Mixed it all together (use your hand), formed little cylinders, and fried them in a cast iron skillet with about 1/4" inch of canola oil. Yummo. 3 potatoes, about 6 cups when shredded 1/3 c finely minced onion 2 T flour 1 lg egg 1/2 T kosher salt 1 t garlic powder Pepper to taste I cooked the first batch until brown and crispy, so I could sample. The rest I didn't cook as long. Enough the hold shape and get a little color, as I'll finsh then in the oven later.
look very good, never thought of making them from scratch though. You do know you can buy them by the bag, right??
What kinda fun would that be? Probably not cost effective, considering the time involved. I'm pretty sure they're no healthier than what comes in a bag, but at least I know what's in them.
Cool, I like the idea of making your own. probably not the amount of fat in them that the store bought ones have. I just love them but haven't bought them in years.
Kids should know where their food comes from, that the best food doesn't come from a box/bag, and that food doesn't come from the "store" (you can grow it or kill it yourself). Sadly too many of them don't.
I absolutely LOVE tater tots......I rank 'em right up there with homemade french fries.....never made homemade ones before so it DEFINITELY be trying this! Thanks for sharing the recipe and the experience Jeff!! Dang, who'd have ever thought you could learn how to make homemade tater tots on a firewood forum?? That's what makes this place awesome!!
Had some this morning in an omlette, along with leftover chili and cheese I have the rest in the oven right now for a kid. Guess I better get another batch made. They work like store bought tots if you don't cook them all the way, and then freeze them. Just brown them a bit so they hold shape, drain on paper towels, and freeze in a zip-loc. I found it best to nuke them a bit, so they get cooked all the way thru in the oven but not overcooked on the outside.
